Apple OS X Mavericks Golden Master released to developers

Apple has released the Golden Master edition of OS X Mavericks to developers, suggesting a release date is on the imminent horizon.

Revealing that an OS X Mavericks release date is mere weeks away, the Golden Master edition has been made available to OS X developers.

According to 9to5mac, end users will be able to download OS X Mavericks at the end of this month, probably after the release date is revealed at Apple’s rumoured iPad and Mac event on October 15.

“Take advantage of new features, like APIs that optimise the new energy saving technologies in OS X Mavericks, as well as new AV Kit frameworks, Sprite Kit, Map Kit, and many powerful additions to existing frameworks,” reads the OS X developer site. “Download OS X Mavericks GM seed and Xcode 5.0.1 GM seed, now available on the Mac Dev Center.”

The Golden Master issue and approximate end of the month release date fits with reports earlier this month that Mac OS X Mavericks is primed for a late October release.

OS X Mavericks FeaturesRather than a key overhaul like iOS 7, OS X Mavericks brings a host of new features within a familiar UI.

There’s an updated notifications bar that lets you know how many emails, new iMessages or other alerts you have to read, appearing as small and often interactive pop-ups at the right hand side of the screen.

Multi-display functionality has also been improved, with users able to run full-screen apps on both screens, especially useful if your second screen is your Apple TV via AirPlay.

You can now employ multiple tabs within the Finder app, letting you start a new search without losing the previous one.

Apple has also introduced the iCloud Keychain that stores your usernames and passwords across all your OS X and iOS devices securely in the cloud. It uses 256-bit encryption and will make it near impossible for cybercriminals to hack your details. Next, read our pick of the best laptops of 2013.